Container with scuff resistant texture

ABSTRACT

Polymeric container includes a base defining a support surface and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The sidewall has at least a first contact portion extending about a perimeter of the sidewall. The sidewall includes a raised surface pattern at a select area proximate the first contact portion. The raised surface pattern includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the sidewall and having an outer surface. Each protrusion is spaced apart from adjacent protrusions within the selected area, and a shortest distance between each protrusion and any of the adjacent protrusions is less than a greatest surface dimension of the outer surface of each protrusion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2014/068530, filed Dec. 4, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter

The disclosed subject matter generally relates to polymeric containersand techniques for forming polymeric containers and the like.Particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to a polymericcontainers and techniques to reduce or prevent aesthetic damage due tosurface contact.

Description of Related Art

Polymeric containers, such as bottles, are widely used for a variety ofpurposes. Such polymeric containers can be provided with variousfeatures to enhance performance and life span. For example, polymericcontainers can be configured with one or more bumper or “stable touchpoint” portions (herein, “contact portions”) for contact with adjacentbottles or the like. Exemplary containers with such features aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,926,243; 8,096,098; and 8,171,701; each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Duringconventional processing and filling, such bottles generally will rubagainst each other or other hard surfaces, thereby wearing and markingthe outer surface of the contact portions. Often, such bottles may bereturned for subsequent refilling and use. After a number of iterationsof this process, the bottle generally will be unusable due to the extentof aesthetic damage to the contact portions.

Various techniques have been attempted to reduce aesthetic damage tocontact portions of polymeric containers, which can includeincorporating additives, such as slip agents, anti-static agents, or thelike, into the polymeric resin during preform injection molding stage.However, there remains a continued need for improved containers andtechniques to reduce or prevent aesthetic damage due to surface contact.

SUMMARY

In accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter,a polymeric container is provided. The polymeric container includes abase defining a support surface and a sidewall extending upwardly fromthe base. The sidewall has at least a first contact portion extendingabout a perimeter of the sidewall. The sidewall includes a raisedsurface pattern at a select area proximate the first contact portion,the raised surface pattern including a plurality of protrusionsextending outwardly from the sidewall and having an outer surface, eachprotrusion spaced apart from adjacent protrusions within the selectedarea, a shortest distance between each protrusion and any of theadjacent protrusions being less than a greatest surface dimension of theouter surface of each protrusion.

As embodied herein, the first contact portion can be formed as a bumperproximate the base. The polymeric container can further include a secondcontact portion spaced from the first contact portion along a height ofthe sidewall. In some embodiments, the selected area can be disposedproximate the second contact portion and/or proximate both contactportions. Furthermore, the first contact portion and/or second contactportion, if provided, can be formed as at least one flute along a heightof the sidewall.

Additionally, and as embodied herein, some or all protrusions of thesurface pattern can each have a circular shape. The plurality ofprotrusions can be similar in size. Additionally or alternatively, theplurality of protrusions can vary in size.

In some embodiments, some or all protrusions of the surface pattern caneach have an elliptical shape. The plurality of protrusions can besimilar in size. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality ofprotrusions can vary in size. Additionally, and as embodied herein, someor all protrusions of the surface pattern can each have an irregularshape.

Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the selected area can have ageometrically uniform boundary proximate the first contact portion, suchas in the form of a band-like boundary of uniform height. Alternatively,the selected area can have an irregular boundary proximate the firstcontact portion, such as a boundary of varied heights.

In addition, and as embodied herein, the first contact portion can havea percent haze measurement within a range of about 22 percent to 31percent after engaging a similarly-configured container at 60 rpm for 15minutes.

Additionally, and as embodied herein, each protrusion can be spacedapart from each adjacent protrusion to define a recess therebetween, andeach protrusion can be sized such that none of the protrusions fitsentirely within any of the recesses.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a method ofblow-molding a polymeric container is provided. The method ofblow-molding a polymeric container includes providing a base defining asupport surface, forming a sidewall extending upwardly from the base,the sidewall having at least a first contact portion extending about aperimeter of the sidewall, and forming a raised surface pattern at aselect area proximate the first contact portion, the raised surfacepattern comprising a plurality of protrusions spaced within the selectedarea. The polymeric container can be formed having any of the featuresdescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of a conventional polymeric container, for purposeof comparison with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of region 1B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an exemplary polymeric container in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of region 2B of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an exemplary polymeric container inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged schematic view of region 3 of FIG. 3A, with anexemplary surface pattern illustrated thereon.

FIG. 3C is an enlarged schematic view of region 3 of FIG. 3A, withanother exemplary surface pattern illustrated thereon.

FIG. 3D is an enlarged schematic view of region 3 of FIG. 3A, withanother exemplary surface pattern illustrated thereon.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a portion of an exemplary polymericcontainer, illustrating an exemplary contact portion having a selectarea with a surface pattern in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter, wherein the select area is depicted on a single flute forpurpose of illustration and not limitation.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged schematic view of region 4B of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5-14B each is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplarysurface pattern according to the disclosed subject matter, respectively.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary scuffing apparatusaccording to the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a percent haze measurement of apolymeric container having a surface pattern of each of FIGS. 3B-3D, forpurpose of illustration and comparison of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating additional embodiments of exemplarysurface patterns according to the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 18-20E each is a diagram illustrating a further embodiment of anexemplary surface pattern according to the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for a variety ofpolymeric containers, having various shapes, sizes and intended uses,such as polymeric containers for liquids, and particularly beverages.The containers described herein can be formed from materials including,but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN) and PEN-blends, polypropylene (PP), high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE), among others and combinations thereof. Furthermore,various additives or surfactants can be used, such as monolayer blendedscavengers or other catalytic scavengers as well as multi-layerstructures including discrete layers of a barrier material, such asnylon or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or other oxygen scavengers.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the disclosedsubject matter includes a polymeric container. The polymeric containerincludes a base defining a support surface and a sidewall extendingupwardly from the base. The sidewall has at least a first contactportion extending about a perimeter of the sidewall. The sidewallincludes a raised surface pattern at a select area proximate the firstcontact portion, the raised surface pattern including a plurality ofprotrusions extending outwardly from the sidewall and having an outersurface, each protrusion spaced apart from adjacent protrusions withinthe selected area, a shortest distance between each protrusion and anyof the adjacent protrusions being less than a greatest surface dimensionof the outer surface of each protrusion.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplaryembodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A method of formingthe polymeric containers of the disclosed subject matter will bedescribed in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explainvarious principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter. Hence, features depicted in the accompanying figuressupport corresponding features and combinations thereof of the claimedsubject matter. For purpose of explanation, an exemplary embodiment of aconventional polymeric container is depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B, whereas forpurpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplaryembodiments of the polymeric container in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter are shown in FIGS. 2A-20E. The polymeric containers aresuitable for the manufacture of containers such as, bottles, jars andthe like. Such containers can be used with a wide variety of perishableand nonperishable goods. However, for purpose of understanding, and notlimitation, reference will be made to the use of the polymeric containerdisclosed herein with liquid or semi-liquid beverages and food productssuch as sodas, juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, teas, coffees,sauces, dips, jams and the like, including containers suitable for andconfigured to be pressure filled and re-filled with a hot liquid ornon-contact (i.e., direct drop) filler, such as a non-pressurizedfiller. Containers of the disclosed subject matter can be used fortransporting, serving, storing, and/or re-using such products whilemaintaining a desired shape, including providing a contact portion orsurface on the container to prevent or inhibit aesthetic damage due tosurface contact with similarly-configured containers or other hardsurfaces. As described in further detail below, the container can have abase configuration and/or side wall features to provide improvedsensitivity and controlled deformation from applied forces, for exampleresulting from pressurized filling, sterilization or pasteurization andresulting thermal expansion due to hot liquid contents and/or vacuumdeformation due to cooling of a liquid product filled therein. Examplesof such features, which can be incorporated in the container of thedisclosed subject matter, are disclosed in International PatentApplication No. PCT/US14/011433, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. For purpose of illustration, and not limitation,reference will be made herein to a polymeric container that is intendedto be filled, and may be re-filled, with a liquid product, such as acarbonated soft drink, tea, sports drink, energy drink or other similarliquid product.

For purpose of comparison to and illustration of the disclosed subjectmatter, referring to a conventional polymeric container illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B, a polymeric container 10 includes a contact portion 12. Asshown in FIGS. 1A-1B, an adjacent, similarly configured polymericcontainer 10′ with a contact portion 12′ can be disposed proximate toand rub against contact portion 12 of polymeric container 10. As aresult, wearing and marking of the outer surface of the polymericcontainers 10, 10′ proximate contact portions 12, 12′ can occur.

Referring now to an illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2B, a polymericcontainer 20 includes a contact portion 22 including a raised surfacepattern 26 at a select area proximate the contact portion 22, asdescribed further below. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, an adjacent, similarlyconfigured polymeric container 20′ with a contact portion 22′ includinga raised surface pattern 26′ at a select area can be disposed proximateto and rub against contact portion 22 including raised surface pattern26. In this manner, and as discussed further herein, raised surfacepattern 26 can reduce or prevent aesthetic damage, such as wearing andmarking of the outer surface of polymeric containers 20, 20′ proximatecontact portions 22, 22′, for example by locating and distributing thepoints of contact at the select area disposed proximate contact portions22, 22′. As discussed further, and as embodied herein, when contactportions 20, 20′ contact each other, generally the raised surfacepattern 26 rubs against the raised surface pattern 26′, and remaininglower portions 24, 24′ of the contact portions 22, 22′ generally do notcontact each other. As such, wearing and marking of the polymericcontainers 20, 20′ can be reduced or prevented, at least in the area oflower portions 24, 24′ of the contact portions 22, 22′.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, an exemplary polymeric container 100 accordingto the disclosed subject matter is illustrated. Polymeric container 100includes a base 102 defining a support surface 104. A sidewall 106extends upwardly from base 104. A first contact portion 108 extendsabout a perimeter of sidewall 106. For example, and as embodied herein,first contact portion 108 can be formed in a bumper portion 115proximate base 104. Additional or alternative, contact portions 118, 120can be defined along the length of sidewall 106. For example, and asembodied herein a number of indentations 122 extending along the lengthof and spaced circumferentially about sidewall 106 can define a numberof flutes 116 therein. Contact portions 118, 120 can thus be formedproximate to or at least partially within flutes 116. Flutes 116 can beseparated along their length by a circumferential recess 124, which canbe substantially smooth and sized to receive a label therein. In thismanner, contact portions 118, 120 can be defined proximate to and onopposing sides of recess 124.

Although it is understood that additional or alternative contactportions can be formed anywhere along the length of sidewall 106,generally contact portions can be formed proximate portions of thesidewall 106 having a relatively greater cross dimension such that thecontact portions can engage an adjacent and proximate hard surface, suchas a container 100 of similar configuration, or any other suitable hardsurface. As such, it is further understood that container 100 can have asingle contact portion, such as extending around a circumference orperimeter of container 100 in plan view. Additionally or alternatively,any suitable number of a plurality of contact portions can be spacedapart along the height of sidewall 106 and/or about the circumference orperimeter.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, sidewall 106 includes a raised surface pattern110 at a select area proximate the contact portion 108. As embodiedherein, the select area can extend about the circumference of thecontainer 100 proximate the contact portion 108, such as to form aband-like boundary. Furthermore, the select area can extend to a heighth within the contact portion 108. In this manner, the select areaincluding the raised surface pattern 110 can have a geometricallyuniform boundary proximate the contact portion 108, such as to form theband-like boundary. Alternatively, the selected area can have anirregular boundary proximate the contact portion 108, such as anS-shaped boundary, an undulating jagged boundary, or any other suitableboundary or shape.

The raised surface pattern 110 includes a plurality of protrusions 112spaced apart within the select area proximate contact portion 108. Asembodied herein, the spacing of the protrusions 112 can correspond to agreatest surface dimension of the outer surface of the protrusion 112.For example, and as embodied herein, the greatest surface dimension cancorrespond to the length or largest diameter of the outer surface of theprotrusions 112, as illustrated herein. For example, and as embodied forillustration in FIG. 3B, each protrusion 112 can have a circular shape.Furthermore, and as embodied herein, each protrusion 112 can have asimilar size, for example with a greatest surface dimension, embodiedherein as a diameter of 0.1163″. Alternatively, and as described herein,each protrusion 112 can have one of a variety of different sizes andshapes, including any suitable regular or irregular shapes.

For example, and for purpose of comparison, FIG. 3C depicts a raisedsurface pattern 110′ having protrusions 112′ with a circular shape,similar center-to-center spacing and a greater surface diameter comparedto protrusions 112 of FIG. 3B. As such, the edge-to-edge spacing betweenprotrusions 112′ is reduced compared to protrusions 112. As embodiedherein, protrusions 112′ can have a greatest surface dimensioncorresponding to a diameter of 0.1401″. Furthermore, protrusions 112′compose a larger portion of the surface area of contact portion 108 thanprotrusions 112. That is, protrusions 112 of FIG. 3B compose about 35%of the surface area of contact portion 108, with the remaining about 65%of the surface area being recessed lower portions 114 relative to theprotrusions 112′. By comparison, protrusions 112′ of FIG. 3C composeabout 50% of the surface area of contact portion 108, with the remainingabout 50% of the surface area being recessed lower portions 114′relative to protrusions 112′.

Furthermore, and for further comparison, FIG. 3D depicts a raisedsurface pattern 110″ having protrusions 112″ with a circular shape,similar center-to-center spacing and a greater surface diameter comparedto protrusions 112, 112′ of FIGS. 3B-3C, respectively. As such, theedge-to-edge spacing between protrusions 112″ is reduced compared toprotrusions 112, 112′. As embodied herein, protrusions 112″ can have agreatest surface dimension corresponding to a diameter of 0.1614″.Furthermore, protrusions 112″ compose a larger portion of the surfacearea of contact portion 108 than protrusions 112, 112′. For example,protrusions 112″ compose about 65% of the surface area of contactportion 108, with the remaining about 65% of the surface area beingrecessed lower portions 114″ relative to the protrusions 112″.Additionally, and as described further herein, in each of the raisedsurface patterns 110, 110′, 110″, protrusions 112, 112′, 112″ can bespaced apart from any adjacent protrusions 112, 112′, 112″ less than thegreatest surface dimension of each protrusion 112, 112′, 112″. As such,a similarly configured protrusion 112, 112′, 112″ generally cannot fitwithin the recessed space 114, 114′, 114″ defined by protrusions 112,112′, 112″, respectively.

For purpose of understanding and not limitation, Tables 1-1 to 1-3 and2-1 to 2-2 and the diagrams of FIGS. 15 and 16 are provided toillustrate various operational characteristics achieved by thecontainers disclosed herein. In one test, twenty samples each ofcontainers 100 having raised surface patterns 110, 110′ and 110″ wereproduced. Each sample of container 100 was exposed to contact with asimilarly-configured container 100 for a period of time along contactportion 108, as illustrated for example in FIG. 15. With reference toFIG. 15, an exemplary bottle-to-bottle scuffing apparatus 300 is shown.One of each sample of container 100 was joined to an electric motor 306via rotating shaft 308. A power switch and rotational speed controller310 was used to control electric motor 306. A similarly-configured oneof each sample of container 100 was secured to stationary bottle holder302 via bottle attachment nipple 304 and placed into contact with thesample container 100, proximate the contact portion 108 of eachcontainer, as illustrated for example in FIG. 15. A weight 312 wassecured to an end of the similarly-configured container 100 via a weighthanger 314.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, each sample container100 and similarly configured container 100 has a volume of 2.5 L. Eachsample container 100 was tested using the scuffing apparatus 300 byrotating the sample container at 60 rpm for 15 minutes with a weight of300 grams suspended from the similarly-configured container 100.

Samples of 1″ wide by 2″ long were cut from the contact portion 108 ofeach sample container 100. Each sample was measured using a HunterLabUltraScan XE colormeter to determine a percent haze measurement using a⅜″ aperture. The haze measurement corresponds to a level of opacity ofthe surface of the container 100 due to aesthetic damage proximate thecontact portion 108 from testing. L*, a*, b* represent a CEILAB colorscale based on Opponent-Color Theory as perceived by the receptors inthe human eye. The L* value indicates the level of light or dark; the a*value indicates redness or greenness, and the b* value indicatesyellowness or blueness. The three values together describe the color ofthe sample.

Table 1-1, Surface Pattern 110 L* a* b* Haze sample 1 93.72 0 1.52 31.55sample 2 93.81 0.01 1.48 28.69 sample 3 93.77 0.03 1.54 28.36 sample 493.91 0.05 1.51 32.29 sample 5 93.79 0.03 1.49 28.17 sample 6 93.7 0.021.55 28.89 sample 7 93.74 0.02 1.49 33.08 sample 8 93.81 0.01 1.46 31.96sample 9 93.72 0.02 1.52 30.73 sample 10 93.59 0.02 1.54 30.40 sample 1193.91 0.03 1.48 27.44 sample 12 93.7 0.02 1.54 30.45 sample 13 93.6 0.021.51 31.29 sample 14 93.6 0.04 1.62 30.27 sample 15 93.49 0.03 1.6731.76 sample 16 93.81 0.03 1.58 32.26 sample 17 93.65 0.03 1.5 30.03sample 18 93.62 0.04 1.53 31.08 sample 19 93.47 0.03 1.61 34.03 sample20 93.55 0.03 1.58 32.88 min 93.47 0.00 1.46 27.44 max 93.91 0.05 1.6734.03 ave 93.69 0.03 1.54 30.78 stdev 0.12 0.01 0.05 1.79 Table 1-2,Surface Pattern 110′ L* a* b* Haze sample 1 93.77 0. 1.33 25.03 sample 293.84 0.01 1.29 22.39 sample 3 93.92 0.01 1.93 22.89 sample 4 93.93 01.29 21.25 sample 5 93.79 0.01 1.33 22.84 sample 6 94.09 −0.01 1.1320.96 sample 7 93.98 0 1.19 22.19 sample 8 94.09 −0.02 1.13 21.89 sample9 94.1 −0.01 1.12 23.33 sample 10 94.01 −0.02 1.15 21.04 sample 11 93.730 1.23 25.58 sample 12 93.43 0 1.35 22.08 sample 13 93.47 0.01 1.3420.80 sample 14 93.57 −0.02 1.15 23.08 sample 15 93.88 −0.01 1.21 21.50sample 16 93.66 0 1.32 26.12 sample 17 93.83 0 1.31 23.30 sample 1893.58 −0.02 1.35 28.56 sample 19 93.64 −0.01 1.35 20.52 sample 20 93.72−0.01 1.33 23.45 min 93.43 −0.02 1.12 20.52 max 94.10 0.01 1.35 26.56ave 93.61 0.00 1.26 22.85 stdev 0.20 0.01 0.09 1.78 Table 1-3, SurfacePattern 110″ L* a* b* Haze sample 1 93.7 −0.04 1.39 30.25 sample 2 93.7−0.05 1.38 31.30 sample 3 93.72 −0.03 1.43 30.10 sample 4 93.86 −0.011.38 27.98 sample 5 93.89 −0.02 1.4 28.11 sample 6 93.74 −0.01 1.4 27.63sample 7 93.79 −0.03 1.35 27.49 sample 8 93.71 −0.02 1.43 27.51 sample 993.56 −0.04 1.46 30.71 sample 10 93.75 −0.04 1.38 28.34 sample 11 93.86−0.01 1.41 28.90 sample 12 93.82 0 1.41 29.14 sample 13 93.69 −0.01 1.529.01 sample 14 93.8 −0.01 1.4 28.23 sample 15 93.89 −0.02 1.37 27.81sample 16 93.73 −0.04 1.38 29.94 sample 17 94.02 −0.03 1.28 25.14 sample18 93.81 −0.04 1.29 26.34 sample 19 93.83 −0.01 1.38 25.02 sample 2093.93 −0.02 1.31 25.33 min 93.56 −0.05 1.28 26.02 max 94.02 0.00 1.6531.30 ave 93.79 −0.02 1.39 28.21 stdev 0.10 0.01 0.05 1.80

With reference to Tables 1-1 to 1-3, and as illustrated in FIG. 16,raised surface pattern 110, composing about 35% of the surface area ofcontact portion 108, developed on average a percent haze of 30.78%.Raised surface pattern 110′, composing about 50% of the surface area ofcontact portion 108, developed on average a percent haze of 22.85%.Raised surface pattern 110″, composing about 65% of the surface area ofcontact portion 108, developed on average a percent haze of 28.21%. Assuch, raised surface pattern 110′ on average developed less visibleaesthetic damage than raised surface patterns 110, 110″. This can be dueat least in part to raised surface pattern 110′ providing the leastamount of contact portion 108 exposed to contact with asimilarly-configured container compared to raised surface patterns 110,110″.

In another test, 10 samples each of a container 100 having raisedsurface pattern 130 were produced and compared to 10 samples each of acontrol container without a raised surface pattern. Each samplecontainer 100 and each control container was exposed to 25 washing andrefilling cycles, and each sample container 100 and control containerwas measured to determine a percent haze measurement, as discussedabove.

Table 2-1, Surface Pattern 130 L* a* b* Haze sample 1 93.15 −0.30 1.0336.11 sample 2 93.20 −0.31 1.02 32.32 sample 3 93.23 −0.31 1.07 31.77sample 4 93.34 −0.27 1.08 33.20 sample 5 93.36 −0.28 1.04 31.50 sample 692.18 −0.28 1.03 36.92 sample 7 93.39 −0.30 1.04 32.18 sample 8 93.30−0.32 1.03 29.81 sample 9 92.26 −0.30 1.06 33.88 sample 10 93.53 −0.280.86 30.18 min 92.16 −0.32 0.86 29.81 max 93.53 −0.27 1.07 36.92 ave93.09 −0.30 1.02 32.79 stdev 0.48 0.02 0.06 2.32 Table 2-2, ControlContainer L* a* b* Haze sample 1 91.71 −0.13 1.38 76.78 sample 2 90.78−0.08 1.58 88.01 sample 3 91.10 −0.11 1.57 85.28 sample 4 90.93 0.001.46 89.88 sample 5 90.49 0.00 1.88 90.19 sample 6 92.29 −0.10 1.1470.82 sample 7 91.29 −0.13 1.37 80.67 sample 8 90.95 −0.11 1.36 84.44sample 9 91.88 −0.08 1.19 76.41 sample 10 91.87 −0.09 1.39 86.73 min90.49 −0.13 1.14 70.82 max 92.29 0.00 1.88 90.19 ave 91.33 −0.08 1.4182.82 stdev 0.58 0.05 0.17 6.51

With reference to Tables 2-1 to 2-2, raised surface pattern 110′,composing about 50% of the surface area of contact portion 108 proximatethe lower bumper thereof, developed on average a percent haze of 32.79%.For purpose of comparison and confirmation of the disclosed subjectmatter, the control container having no raised surface pattern proximatethe lower bumper thereof developed on average a percent haze of 82.92%.As such, raised surface pattern 110′ on average developed a factor ofapproximately 2.5 times less visible aesthetic damage than the controlcontainer.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, an alternative embodiment of a select areahaving a raised surface pattern 310 is depicted. As shown in FIGS.4A-4B, contact portion 318 is disposed at an alternative location.Contact portion 318 can be provided alone, or in combination withadditional contact portions, as described herein. For example andwithout limitation, contact portion 318 can be disposed within flutes316 formed proximate recess 324. For purpose of illustration andsimplicity, only one select area is depicted. The select area proximatecontact portion 318 can have any raised surface pattern describedherein. For example, and as embodied herein, the select area proximatecontact portion 318 has a raised surface pattern 130 with protrusions132 having a circular shapes of varying sizes. As embodied herein,protrusions 132 can generally have a larger diameter proximate across-section of contact portion 318 having a larger cross dimension,and can have a generally smaller diameter proximate a cross-section ofcontact portion 318 having a smaller cross dimension. As such, thesurface area formed by protrusions 132 can be greater as the crossdimension of contact portion 318 increases.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-14B, additional or alternative raisedsurface patterns can be utilized in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter. As discussed herein, for example and without limitation,in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, raised surface patternscan have protrusions spaced apart a shortest distance from any adjacentprotrusions less than a greatest surface dimension of the protrusionssuch that a similarly-configured protrusion generally cannot fit withina recessed space defined by protrusions. For example, and withoutlimitation, with reference to FIG. 5, raised surface pattern 140 hascircular protrusions 142 spaced apart a shortest distance d such thatsimilarly-configured protrusions 146, illustrated in phantom overlaidthereon, cannot fit entirely into recessed space 144 defined betweenprotrusions 142.

Referring now to FIG. 6, raised surface pattern 150 has elongatedelliptical protrusions 152. Raised surface pattern 150 can beconfigured, as embodied herein, such that mirror image protrusions 156,illustrated in phantom overlaid thereon, cannot fit entirely intorecessed space 154 defined between protrusions 152.

Referring now to FIG. 7, raised surface pattern 160 has circularprotrusions 162 evenly spaced such that similarly configured protrusions166, illustrated in phantom overlaid thereon, cannot fit entirely intorecessed space 164 defined between protrusions 162. By comparison, withreference to FIG. 8, raised surface pattern 170 has the same number ofprotrusions 172 having the same size as protrusions 162, but with variedspacing between protrusions 172. As such, as shown for example in FIG.8, similarly-configured protrusions 176, illustrated in phantom overlaidthereon, can fit entirely into at least a portion of recessed space 174defined between some protrusions 172. FIG. 8 can be suitable to reducescuffing compared to a smooth surface. However, FIG. 8 can be lesssuitable to reduce scuffing, for example, proximate the recessed spaces174 formed by protrusions 172 spaced apart a distance greater than agreatest surface dimension thereof such that similarly-configuredprotrusions 176 can fit within the recessed spaces 174.

With reference to FIG. 9, raised surface pattern 180 has irregularlyshaped protrusions 182 of varying sizes and uneven spacing. As embodiedherein, protrusions 182 of surface pattern 180 can be spaced apart lessthan a greatest surface dimension, embodied herein as a length, of anyof protrusions 182 to form recessed spaces 184. As such, anysimilarly-configured protrusions 186 having a greatest surface dimensionsimilar to any of protrusions 182 cannot fit entirely into any recessedspace 184 defined between protrusions 182.

Referring now to FIG. 10, raised surface pattern 190 has annular shapedprotrusions 192 of equal size and uneven spacing. As embodied herein,protrusions 192 of surface pattern 190 can be arranged such that anysimilarly-configured protrusions 196 cannot fit entirely into recessedspace 194 defined between protrusions 192.

Referring now to FIG. 11, raised surface pattern 200 can have circularprotrusions 202 of unequal size and uneven spacing. As embodied herein,protrusions 202 of surface pattern 200 can be arranged such that anysimilarly-configured protrusions 206 having a greatest surface dimensionsimilar to any of protrusions 202 cannot fit entirely into recessedspace 204 defined between protrusions 202.

With reference to FIG. 12, a select area having a raised surface patterncan be separated into zones. For example, as embodied herein, raisedsurface pattern 210 can have zones 218, 219 defined along the height ofa contact portion, with zone 219 disposed on one or both opposing sidesof zone 218. Additionally or alternatively, zone 219 can be disposedoutside the contact area of the container, so as not to be susceptibleto scuffing. In this manner, alternative sizes of protrusions can beprovided in zone 219. Raised surface pattern 210 can have circularprotrusions 212 of unequal size and uneven spacing. As embodied herein,protrusions 212 of zone 218 can be larger than the smallest protrusions212 of zone 219. As such, surface pattern 210 can be configured suchthat any similarly-configured protrusions 216 having a greatest surfacedimension similar to any protrusions 212 in zone 218 cannot fit entirelywithin recessed space 215 defined therebetween, and such that anysimilarly-configured protrusions 217 having a greatest surface dimensionsimilar to any protrusions 212 in zone 219 cannot fit entirely withinrecessed space 215 defined therebetween.

Referring now to FIG. 13, raised surface pattern 150 is illustratedside-by-side with alternative raised surface pattern 220, for purpose ofcomparison. As embodied herein, raised surface pattern 220 hasprotrusions 222 shaped similar to protrusions 152, but more denselyspaced. As such, raised surface pattern 220 has less recessed space 224defined between protrusions 222, and similarly-configured protrusions226 cannot fit entirely within recessed space 224. In this manner, therecessed space 224 between protrusions can be less susceptible toscuffing due to contact with a hard surface.

With reference to FIGS. 14A-14B, raised surface pattern 230 can haveelongated elliptical protrusions 232 having varying sizes andorientations. As embodied herein, protrusions 232 of surface pattern 230can be arranged such that any similarly-configured protrusions 236having a greatest surface dimension similar to any of protrusions 232cannot fit entirely into recessed space 234 defined between protrusions232. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, raised surface pattern 230 can bescaled, extended or repeated to fill any size surface of the container100 where additional protection against aesthetic damage due to surfacecontact is desired. Scaled, extended or repeated raised surface patternscan have any of the characteristics or features described herein.

With reference now to FIGS. 17-20E, additional or alternative raisedsurface patterns can be utilized in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter. For example, and as depicted in FIG. 17, protrusions ofraised surface patterns can have a substantially smooth, even surface.Alternatively, protrusions of raised surface patterns can have an unevenor rough textured surface. Additionally or alternatively, protrusions ofraised surface patterns can be arranged to provide aesthetic designs.For example and without limitation, and as embodied herein, raisedsurface patterns can be arranged to resemble condensation on the surfaceof the container or carbonation of a beverage contained within thecontainer. In this manner, raised surface patterns can be disposedoutside the contact portion to provide an aesthetic design complementinga raised surface pattern within an adjacent contact area. As a furtheralternative, protrusions of raised surface patterns can be provided withthe shape of letters, numbers or any other suitable symbols, icons orgraphics.

Referring now to FIG. 18, an additional or alternative raised surfacepattern 240 is illustrated. For example and without limitation, asembodied herein, raised surface pattern 240 can be configured as abrushed or etched pattern, and can include a number of brushed or etchedsurfaces 242 defining the raised surface pattern 240.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19F, additional or alternative variations ofraised surface patterns are illustrated. For example, and as embodiedherein, raised surface patterns can include circular protrusions ofvarying size, shape and density.

With reference to FIGS. 20A-20E, additional or alternative variations ofraised surface patterns are illustrated. For example, and as embodiedherein, raised surface patterns can include elongated, ellipticalprotrusions of varying size, shape and density.

For example and without limitation, as embodied herein, protrusions ofraised surface patterns according to the disclosed subject matter can beprovided with different sizes. For example and without limitation, asembodied herein, protrusions can have a greatest surface dimensionwithin a range of 0.05″ to 0.25″. Additionally or alternatively,protrusions of raised surface patterns can be provided with differentdepths. For example and without limitation, raised surface patterns canhave protrusions having a uniform depth. Alternatively, raised surfacepatterns can have protrusions having a varying depth. As embodiedherein, for example and without limitation, protrusions of raisedsurface patterns can have a depth within a range of 0.008″ to 0.018″relative to recessed portions of a contact surface area.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, amethod of forming a polymeric container having the features describedherein is provided. The method includes providing a base defining asupport surface, forming a sidewall extending upwardly from the base,the sidewall having at least a first contact portion extending about aperimeter of the sidewall, and forming a raised surface pattern at aselect area proximate the first contact portion, the raised surfacepattern comprising a plurality of protrusions spaced within the selectedarea. The polymeric container can include any features or modificationsas described above or otherwise known.

The various embodiments of the container as disclosed herein can beformed by conventional molding techniques as known in the industry. Forexample, the container can be formed by blow-molding, which can beperformed with or without a movable cylinder. Additionally oralternatively, the raised surface patterns can be formed by molding,pressing, stamping, adhesion, or any other suitable technique.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosedsubject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any otherpossible combination of the dependent features claimed below and thosedisclosed above. As such, the particular features disclosed herein canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter shouldbe recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments havingany other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description ofspecific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodimentsdisclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the method and system of thedisclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosedsubject matter include modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A polymeric container, comprising: a basedefining a support surface; and a sidewall extending upwardly from thebase, the sidewall having at least a first contact portion extendingabout a perimeter of the sidewall; wherein the sidewall includes araised surface pattern at a select area proximate the first contactportion, the raised surface pattern comprising a plurality ofprotrusions extending outwardly from the sidewall and having an outersurface, the plurality of protrusions configured to provide scuffresistance of the sidewall between adjacent protrusions, each protrusionspaced apart from adjacent protrusions within the select area, ashortest distance between the outer surface of each protrusion and theouter surface of the adjacent protrusions being less than a greatestsurface dimension of the outer surface of each protrusion, and eachprotrusion having a greatest surface dimension within a range of 0.05″to 0.25″.
 2. The polymeric container of claim 1, wherein the firstcontact portion is formed as a bumper proximate the base.
 3. Thepolymeric container of claim 1, wherein the first contact portion isformed as at least one flute along a height of the sidewall.
 4. Thepolymeric container of claim 1, further comprising a second contactportion spaced from the first contact portion along a height of thesidewall, the select area further being disposed proximate the secondcontact portion.
 5. The polymeric container of claim 1, wherein eachprotrusion of the surface pattern has a circular shape.
 6. The polymericcontainer of claim 5, wherein the plurality of protrusions are similarin size.
 7. The polymeric container of claim 5, wherein the plurality ofprotrusions vary in size.
 8. The polymeric container of claim 1, whereineach protrusion of the surface pattern has an elliptical shape.
 9. Thepolymeric container of claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions aresimilar in size.
 10. The polymeric container of claim 8, wherein theplurality of protrusions vary in size.
 11. The polymeric container ofclaim 1, wherein each protrusion of the surface pattern has an irregularshape.
 12. The polymeric container of claim 1, wherein the select areahas a geometrically uniform boundary proximate the first contactportion.
 13. The polymeric container of claim 1, wherein the select areahas an irregular boundary proximate the first contact portion.
 14. Thepolymeric container of claim 1, wherein the first contact portion has apercent haze measurement within a range of about 22 percent to 31percent after engaging a similarly-configured container at 60 rpm for 15minutes.
 15. The polymeric container of claim 1, wherein each protrusionis spaced apart from each adjacent protrusion to define a recesstherebetween, and each protrusion is sized such that the outer surfaceof none of the protrusions fits entirely within any of the recesses. 16.A method of forming a polymeric container, comprising: providing a basedefining a support surface; forming a sidewall extending upwardly fromthe base, the sidewall having at least a first contact portion extendingabout a perimeter of the sidewall; and forming a raised surface patternat a select area proximate the first contact portion, the raised surfacepattern comprising a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly fromthe sidewall and having an outer surface, the plurality of protrusionsconfigured to provide scuff resistance of the sidewall between adjacentprotrusions, each protrusion spaced apart from adjacent protrusionswithin the select area, a shortest distance between the outer surface ofeach protrusion and the outer surface of the adjacent protrusions beingless than a greatest surface dimension of the outer surface of eachprotrusion, and each protrusion having a greatest surface dimensionwithin a range of 0.05″ to 0.25″.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe first contact portion is formed as a bumper proximate the base. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein the first contact portion is formed asat least one flute along a height of the sidewall.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising a second contact portion spaced from thefirst contact portion along a height of the sidewall, the select areafurther being disposed proximate the second contact portion.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, wherein each protrusion of the surface pattern has acircular shape.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first contactportion has a percent haze measurement within a range of about 22percent to 31 percent after engaging a similarly-configured container at60 rpm for 15 minutes.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein eachprotrusion is spaced apart from each adjacent protrusion to define arecess therebetween, and each protrusion is sized such that the outersurface of none of the protrusions fits entirely within any of therecesses.